Rep. John Burkel

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $675,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $729,000 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund. The funds will support two outdoor education programs: Wilderness Inquiry's Canoemobile and Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement. These programs provide statewide, sequential outdoor educational experiences for youth and families, aligning with Minnesota graduation standards and connecting participants to the state's natural resources, outdoor traditions, and public lands. The funding directly supports these programs' operations to expand access to nature-based learning across Minnesota.

Maddy summaryHF 2683 establishes Minnesota's Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Program to help farmers reduce nitrogen-based fertilizer use and improve water quality. The program provides annual per-acre payments of at least $5 to eligible Minnesota farmers who verify a 15% reduction or 30 pounds per acre less in commercial nitrogen fertilizer use through qualifying biofertilizers (like nitrogen-fixing products or soil amendments) in their crop plans. Farmers must operate at least 40 acres in Minnesota and submit documented crop nutrient management plans. The bill appropriates $1.5 million for the program in fiscal year 2026, with the Agriculture Commissioner required to review and adjust payment rates annually based on inflation and new technologies.

Maddy summaryHF 2667 amends Minnesota law to clarify the definition of a "handler" for restricted pesticides and adjusts license requirements. It defines a "handler" as someone meeting federal standards who mixes or loads restricted pesticides under a licensed applicator's supervision. The bill modifies section 18B.30 to state that handlers may perform preapplication activities (like mixing/loading) without their own license, but only under a licensed applicator's direct supervision. This directly affects pesticide handlers and applicators by streamlining compliance for routine mixing and loading tasks.

Maddy summaryHF 1524 establishes a grant program for agricultural retailers in Minnesota to promote nutrient management practices following the "4R" principles (right source, rate, time, and place). The program provides $5,000 to retailers upon certification into the 4R nutrient stewardship program and up to 50 cents per acre for implementing approved practices like soil testing, cover crops, or precision agriculture, plus up to 25 cents per acre for nutrient planning by certified advisers. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these grants, administered by the commissioner of agriculture. Approved practices must reduce nutrient runoff and align with location-specific farming needs as defined in the bill.

Maddy summaryHF 566 amends Minnesota law to clarify rules for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public roads. It specifies that ATVs may be operated on the right shoulder or extreme right side of county/state highways (for accessing businesses/trails) and in ditches/slopes under certain conditions, while restricting operation in agricultural zones (April 1-August 1) and between sunset and sunrise. The bill also updates local government authority to allow ATVs on roads for access to businesses/residences via ordinance, with specific speed and access requirements for smaller communities. These changes directly affect ATV operators, local municipalities creating ordinances, and agricultural workers using ATVs for farm access.

Maddy summaryHF 2052 modifies Minnesota's fee structure for food export certificates. It sets a $125 fee for certificates needed to move Minnesota food products out of state, including documents like health certificates and origin certificates. Businesses must pay the fee when requesting the certificate or within seven days of issuance, and if unpaid within 15 days of billing, the Department of Agriculture cannot issue future certificates until fees are settled. The bill affects food exporters and manufacturers requiring these certificates for interstate or international shipments. Fees must be deposited into a specific account for food certificate expenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to research autonomous mower technology for use on state-owned properties like rest areas, highway rights-of-way, and other public spaces. It requires MnDOT to study safety, cost-benefit, worker impact, and commercial availability, with a focus on Minnesota-based companies for any equipment purchases. The bill appropriates $150,000 in fiscal year 2026 for this research and mandates a detailed report by February 15, 2027, covering pilot project plans, cost analyses, and safety evaluations. The research directly affects MnDOT operations and could influence future roadside maintenance practices.

Maddy summaryHF 2384 establishes a grant program to help counties clean up blighted properties and address environmental contamination on tax-forfeited or tax-foreclosed properties they own or hold in trust. The bill appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026-2027, allowing counties to apply for grants to cover remediation costs, testing, monitoring, and fixing unsafe conditions. Counties must submit detailed applications proving property ownership, contamination evidence, blight documentation, and a remediation plan. The Pollution Control Agency will award grants, prioritizing counties' ability to fund projects without grants and ensuring statewide distribution.

Maddy summaryHF 489 appropriates $25.8 million for 2026 and $26.9 million for 2027 from Minnesota's parks and trails fund to support state parks, recreation areas, and trails. It allocates $12.9 million annually for regional park and trail grants outside the Minneapolis metro area, requiring projects to align with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks Strategic Plan. The bill also provides $652,000 annually for coordination between agencies and web-based park information, while extending project funding deadlines for specific initiatives like the Cannon Valley Trail and Spirit Mountain Recreation Area through 2027. This funding directly affects state park operations, regional park commissions, and local projects receiving grants under Minnesota Statutes § 85.535.

Maddy summaryMinnesota Senate Bill 1552 modifies financial reporting rules for grain buyers licensed under Minnesota law. It requires grain buyers to submit annual financial statements prepared by independent accountants, with different requirements based on annual grain purchases: buyers purchasing under $7.5 million annually need a CPA review, those buying $7.5-20 million need a CPA review, and buyers purchasing $20 million or more must undergo a full audit with an opinion statement. Small cash-based grain buyers purchasing under $1 million annually are exempt from these reporting requirements. The bill applies directly to licensed grain buyers operating in Minnesota, aiming to increase financial transparency and accountability.